Pincer Movement

Action

Send two columns out to the left and to the right of the enemy position. Do this
covertly or quickly so they have no chance to react. Then simultaneously turn
inwards to attack the enemy in the 'pocket' created.

The pincer may complete a full encirclement or it may attack from the sides,
like a double flanking movement.

Analysis

The power of the pincer is the attacks from multiple directions that it enables.
The enemy has to mount multiple defenses and usually has no way of retreat.

The weakness of the pincer can be that, being spread out, it is vulnerable to
concentrated attack at a single point. It also is vulnerable to attack from
behind by a rescue force.

Example

In the Second World War battle for Stalingrad that lasted
through 1942 and into 1943. A turning point happened on 20th November when a
pincer movement led to an encirclement of 250,000 Nazi troops. This led to an
effective siege, in which the German army
slowly starved. After tightening of the noose and fierce fighting, the 91,000
surviving troops eventually surrendered in what was a critical turning point in
the overall war. Eventually, after being sent to labor camps, only 6,000 found
their way home.

Analogy

Get two arguments ready then attack with both at once. If they try to wriggle
out, quickly cut them off, perhaps with yet another argument. Then steadily move
in, crushing any remaining opposition.